"
"And that brings me to my news, old man. I've given the
matter a lot of time and a lot of consideration, and I've
decided that I can't do better than drive in a stake for
myself in this new country of yours."
"It isn't so very new," Lorne told him, in rather dull
response, "but I expect that's a pretty good line to
take. Why, yes--first rate."
"As to the line," Hesketh went on, weightily, leading
the way through an encumbering group of farmers at a
corner, "I've selected that, too. Traction-engines.
Milburn has never built them yet, but he says the
opportunity is ripe--"
"Milburn!" Lorne wheeled sharply.
"My future partner. He was planning extensions just as
I came along, a fortunate moment, I hope it will prove,
for us both. I'd like to go into it with you, some time
when you have leisure--it's a scheme of extraordinary
promise. By the way, there's an idea in it that ought to
appeal to you--driving the force that's to subdue this
wilderness of yours."
"When you've lived here for a while," said Lorne, painfully
preoccupied, "you'll think it quite civilized. So you're
going in with Milburn?"
"Oh, I'm proud of it already! I shall make a good Canadian,
I trust. And as good an imperialist," he added, "as is
consistent with the claims of my adopted country.
Pages:
410
411
412
413
414
415
416
417
418
419
420
421
422
423
424
425
426
427
428
429
430
431
432
433
434